Assisi artist exhibits "Bombs of Peace" in Coventry Cathedral

Dec 12 2008

"Art is an interpretation of life. Without it life would appear to us as deprived of sense, without meaning and monstrous."

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THE Italian Artist Raffaele Ariante is presently visiting Coventry and will be exhibiting some of his work in Coventry Cathedral from the afternoon of Friday 13 until Thursday December 18.   Taking about his art, Raffaele says: "Art is something that can comfort us, reassure us - a necessity. Art is an interpretation of life. Without it life would appear to us as deprived of sense, without meaning and monstrous. Art,I believe, is the medium most able to instill in the human person the necessity for religious experience. This is what art - any art - expresses."     The invitation to the city comes from the Bishop of Coventry, The Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, who first met Raffaele whilst on retreat in Assisi. He was immediately attracted to his work and the values he expresses in his art:   His bombs of passion, peace and love resonate with Coventry's commitment to turn the destruction of war into new possibilities of peace for the future.   Raffaele's art "bombs" will be displayed in the exhibition.   Bishop Christopher goes on to say: "Our conversations about art, faith and hope have led to this exhibition in Coventry Cathedral. I am delighted to welcome such a talented artist and creative person to the Diocese of Coventry and to its Cathedral of peace and reconciliation."     Born in Pozzuoli, Naples in 1958, Raffaele currently lives and works in Assisi. His inquisitive nature has motivated him to explore, to ask, to seek, and try to understand, in humility, things which he might not otherwise observe or possess an interest in.   Raffaele has orchestrated many diverse events, displays and installations in Italy and elsewhere in Europe (France, Switzerland, and Greece).  His work has received enthusiastic reviews by the national and local press, and private and public television.   His latest installation, in Assisi, was held in conjunction with the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation and the friars of the Sacro Convento of the Basilica San Francesco. The installation, titled “Advent,” included a cube of great dimension (5 sq m) that embodied the figures of the nativity. The work was presented in a video conference with the city of Bethlehem as a message of peace rendered by the friars to the world.   Speaking about his contribution to Art, Padre Vincenzo Coli, Guardian of the Sacred Convent in Assisi exclaims: "From Assisi, in the spirit of Francis, let the "Bomb of the Love of Christ" explode also in the heart of believers who walk quickly in Truth, in Unity, and in full Communion with God. The Faith will be born from the presence of this love in the heart of the world!"   Examples of Raffaele's work can be seen at www.arc.it/ariante  and  www.raffaeleariante.blogspot.com